Same-Day Surgery – September 1, 2014
September 1, 2014
View Issues
-
Anesthesiologist accused of sexting in surgery -- Take steps to prevent now
An anesthesiologist was suspended after allegations that he sexted during surgery, at one point sending 45 messages during a single operation. -
CMS sounding alarm: unsafe needle practices
As outbreaks continue to be reported due to unsafe injection practices and improper use of medication vials, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is telling its surveyors to contact public health departments immediately if they see such flagrant breaches of infection control. -
Videos help providers check injection practices
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to investigate outbreaks as a result of unsafe injection practices. These mistakes and knowledge gaps put healthcare providers and patients at risk. -
Reaction mostly positive to proposed pay rule
The 2015 ambulatory surgery center (ASC) and hospital outpatient department (HOPD) payment proposal released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) accommodates several important requests made by ASCA and the ASC community, according to the ASC Association (ASCA). -
Cost is not only factor in choice
When prospective patients call to ask about cost, Susan Smith, CHAA, a benefit representative for patient access at Cox Medical Center Branson (MO), not only does everything in her power to give the best information she possibly can. -
Different burden of proof for criminal prosecution
Criminal prosecutions of physicians for grossly substandard care almost invariably involve the death of multiple patients revealing a pattern of gross negligence or reckless indifference to patient safety, says Ben A. Rich, JD, PhD, professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine at the University of California Davis Health Systems School of Medicine. -
But, what have you done for me today?
A common issue, complaint, concern, and frustration that most of us in healthcare share is the implied But what have you done for me today? -
How you can address price-shopping patients
Healthcare facilities are offering financial counseling and online price estimates to patients who call with questions about cost. Staff members from providers offices also are calling to obtain estimates on behalf of patients. -
Claims allege failure to diagnose peritonitis
Successful malpractice claims alleging failure to diagnose the post-surgical complication of peritonitis are occurring because patients are sent home without proper evaluation, according to plaintiff attorneys. -
Many hospitals underuse minimally invasive cases
Hospitals vary substantially in their use of minimally invasive surgery, even when evidence shows that for most patients, minimally invasive surgery is superior to open surgery, a new study shows. -
ASCs’ surgeries often less costly than hospitals’
A new study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) reports that the payments for common workers compensation surgeries conducted at ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) are lower than many of the payments for similar surgeries performed at hospital outpatient settings.